‘Do not be silent’: Police looking to identify woman found dead at Winnipeg hotel

A composite sketch of the woman police are looking to identify is pictured on Aug. 14, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)

The Winnipeg Police Service and community advocates are searching for answers and renewing their call for help in identifying an Indigenous woman who was found dead at a Winnipeg hotel last year.

“We are asking all of our southern First Nations to look closely at the description that you’re hearing and seeing,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

“Look closely and consider anyone who might match that description. We need your help. If you know something, anything, do not be silent.”

The investigation began on Aug. 10, 2024, when the woman was found deceased at the Manwin Hotel

On Thursday, an updated composite sketch was released of the woman who is described as being between 25 and 40 years old, about five-foot-seven in height, with a slim build and shoulder-length dark hair and brown eyes.

She had a metal plate with screws attached to her clavicle, no remaining upper teeth, and a papilloma above her left eyebrow. She also had two small tattoos—‘SN’ on her right wrist and ‘SS’ on the back of her right hand.

The woman was last seen wearing black pants with a bright yellow stripe and a grey BENCH hoodie. She was carrying a blue/grey Roots brand carry-on suitcase and a tan purse.

Police note no foul play is suspected; however, they are hoping to bring closure to the woman’s loved ones.

“This is not a criminal investigation,” said Sgt. Ashley Hartle with the Winnipeg police.

“Rather, we’re assisting the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and working in partnership with the community, hoping that together we can connect this woman with her loved ones.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Winnipeg police’s missing persons unit at 204-986-6250, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains.